Understanding & Celebrating the Holy Sacraments of the Church

“The Holy Spirit prepares the faithful for the sacraments by the Word of God and the faith which welcomes that word in well-disposed hearts. Thus the sacraments strengthen faith and express it. ” — CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1133

All Christians are called to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Please see below for general information on each of the seven sacraments as well as preparation guidelines for receiving certain sacraments at St. Joseph’s. Those seeking sacraments need to be attending Mass and registered members of our parish and/or enrolled at St. Joseph School.

BAPTISM

Infant Baptism

Infant baptism is intended for newborns and children up through the age of reason. The age of reason (knowing right from wrong) is generally considered to be around seven years old, which is usually around the time a child enters second grade.

For parents seeking their child’s baptism, a course is required before setting a date for the baptism. The course is online in English and Spanish. Baptism requirements in both English and Spanish are found here. You can also fill out this online screening form.

Children and Young Adult Baptism

Children in grades 4-10 who have never been baptized or who have been baptized in another Christian faith tradition will enter our Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children (RCIC) program, a series of sessions in which children are prepared to be fully received in the Catholic Church. 

3rd Graders-If your child has not been baptized or is baptized in another Christian faith tradition they will join the 2nd Grade class in Wednesday night faith formation classes.  The child would need to be baptized (if not previously baptized) or give a profession of faith (if baptized in another Christian faith tradition) prior to receiving the Sacraments of first Reconciliation and first Communion in the Spring.  Following that year, they would continue with their religious education within their grade level.  Additionally, we are asking parents and Godparents of 2nd and 3rd graders who have not been baptized to attend our infant baptism class.

St. Joseph School Students-If you have a student in need of the sacraments of initiation attending St. Joseph School in 4th – 8th grade, they will receive special instruction (over and above their regular religion classes) during school time to prepare them for Baptism. Parents will also help to prepare their student. Students will move through the various rites (Rites of Acceptance, the Scrutiny Rites, Rite of Election with the Bishop) and are brought into the church during the Easter Season with family, friends, and sponsor, where they would receive the Sacraments of Baptism (if not already baptized) or profession of faith (if baptized in another Christian tradition), Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. The unbaptized will be received during the Easter Vigil while the baptized are typically received on Easter Sunday or before Pentecost.

NOTE: RCIC is not for children baptized Catholic who have missed receiving certain sacraments.  We often refer to this group of children as “out of sequence.” We will work with you to get your child(ren) caught up on their sacraments. If enrolled at St. Joseph school, this will be completed during school hours.  If attending public school, please enroll your child(ren) in our Wednesday night Religious Education Program in their grade level.  They will attend additional sessions throughout the year either before or after Wednesday night classes to prepare them for their sacraments.  The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist will be received before the end of the school season.

Adult Baptism

Adults (juniors in high school and older) that have never been baptized will prepare for the catechumenate and enter our Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. This process includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. The catechumens undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

Adult Baptized Non-Catholic

If you are baptized in another Christian tradition, you prepare as a prospective candidate for full communion in the RCIA program. This initiation process prepares the candidate to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist when you are suitably prepared, usually at Eastertime.

EUCHARIST

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist (Communion) is celebrated at every Mass or Communion service. Children traditionally commemorate their First Eucharist in the second grade, after a required period of preparation. Non-Catholic adults seeking to receive the sacrament can find relevant information on the adults page under the Faith Formation tab.

CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated by baptized individuals to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to live out the faith they profess. In the Diocese of Des Moines, teens receive the sacrament in their sophomore year, after a required period of preparation. Non-Catholic adults seeking to receive the sacrament can find relevant information on the adults page under the Faith Formation tab.

RECONCILIATION

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (penance) is available to Catholics and to baptized Christians in the RCIA process. Sacrament hours can be found on our home page. During Advent and Lent, expanded hours for individual confessions and communal reconciliation are offered. Click here for a brochure explaining the sacrament and how to prepare.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

The healing Sacrament of Anointing is available to the sick and the dying. Please contact the Parish Office at 515-266-2226 to arrange a pastoral visit at the place of care. While some hospitals strive to notify us when a parishioner is admitted, we depend on family and parish members to keep us fully informed.

MARRIAGE

To prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Joseph’s, one member of the couple must be a registered parishioner. Please contact the Parish Office at 515-266-2226 at least 6 months in advance of the proposed wedding date; diocesan guidelines do not allow setting a definite date for the wedding until part of the Marriage Preparation Program has been completed.

HOLY ORDERS & VOCATIONS

The Sacrament of Holy Orders is received only by those completing formal discernment and vocational formation. For information about priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Des Moines, please visit www.vocationsonline.org.